VAR Drama Mars Rangers' Victory Over Livingston
Livingston manager David Martindale unleashed a furious critique of the Video Assistant Referee system following his team's narrow 2-1 defeat against Rangers at Ibrox. The flashpoint occurred when a potential penalty was dismissed, a decision Martindale labelled 'a stonewall penalty' that was inexplicably not given.
The Controversial Incident That Sparked Outrage
With the score tied at 1-1 during the first half, Livingston's Tete Yengi saw his goal-bound effort clearly handled by Rangers' Manny Fernandez inside the penalty area. Despite the apparent infringement, referee Ross Hardie did not award a spot-kick. Reports later indicated that the Scottish FA justified the non-call by citing 'close proximity' and the player's hand being in a 'natural position'.
Rangers ultimately secured the three points thanks to a late winner from Mohamed Diomande. Crucially, this goal was itself awarded after a VAR review by John Beaton overturned an initial offside decision, adding to Livingston's sense of injustice.
Martindale's Explosive Reaction
The Lions boss did not hold back in his post-match assessment, expressing disbelief and frustration that has become commonplace among Premiership managers. 'I can't believe that is not a penalty,' Martindale raged. 'Well, part of me CAN believe we don't get it, but it is a stonewall penalty.'
He vehemently disagreed with the SFA's reasoning, stating, 'I think he makes a motion towards the ball. I think, if he doesn't hit the ball with his arm, it is going in also. I am not agreeing with that "natural position" thing.'
Martindale highlighted the wider impact of such errors, accusing the governing body of failing to grasp the consequences. 'I don't think they understand what is actually at stake and how much this means to managers and clubs. It is just flippant. Oh, we got it wrong. Sorry. Move on to next week when there's another three decisions that are wrong.'
A Growing Sense of Injustice
The manager revealed his growing disillusionment, even suggesting a feeling of 'wee club syndrome' at play. His attempt to seek an explanation from referee Hardie after the final whistle was bluntly rebuffed. 'Yes. (He said) Get away from me or you are getting a red card. I've not had any explanation,' Martindale disclosed.
He emphasised that his grievances were not isolated, pointing to a league-wide discontent. 'It's not just me moaning. It is *every* manager,' he asserted, calling for immediate change to a system he believes is fundamentally flawed.
Rangers Acknowledge 'Dirty Win'
In contrast, Rangers head coach Danny Rohl admitted his team had secured what he described as 'a dirty win', their fourth consecutive league victory. He conceded that his side's performance was below par, acknowledging, 'I wasn't here a couple of weeks ago, but maybe a couple of weeks ago, we wouldn't win this game.'
Rohl pinpointed a drop in focus after taking an early lead through Fernandez, which allowed Yengi to equalise for the visitors. Despite the imperfections, the Rangers boss was pragmatic about the importance of the result in their campaign.
